2019 Helix Cima Piccola

Happy Saturday!  I am pleased to say that I have completed all of my Christmas shopping, and all the the presents have been wrapped and are awaiting delivery to their intended recipients.  So, now that I can breathe a little easier, it's time to open a nice bottle of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2019 Helix Cima Piccola, which is a Super Tuscan style blend composed of Sangiovese from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard as well as Merlot (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (17%) sourced from other vineyards in the Columbia Valley AVA of Washington.  Let's have a taste of this Pacific Northwest interpretation of Tuscany!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a somewhat heavier body no doubt a credit to the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend.  The nose presents an intriguing combination of cedar, violet and spice box that marks the Sangiovese in the blend.  The first sip is not what I expected at all, a rush of blueberry and tart cherry wash over your palate before transitioning to some earthy tar and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannings are so well integrated, you can miss them entirely as you enjoy the lush smooth finish that will have you coming back for more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as this vintage is right up with the wonderful 2017 vintage I enjoyed nearly four years ago.  This wine is very food friendly and would pair well with a range of dishes, from classic pasta and risotto, bisteca Fiorentina, or simple Tuscan toast.  Tonight, I am going the classic as classic can get route and enjoying this wine with a mixed green salad with pomegranates and sage blossom vinaigrette along with linguine and meatballs.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Vineyard Red Wine

Happy Taco Tuesday!  Well I guess that ruined the surprise of what's for dinner this evening.  Of course, there are so many good red wines to enjoy with classic tacos, but tonight I've settled on a bottle of 2021 Pepper Bridge Vineyard red wine.  This wine is a classic Walla Walla red blend of Merlot (34%), Malbec (33%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%) and Petit Verdot (9%), making this an ideal wine for steak tacos! This wine is composed of varietals exclusively sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington, so let's have a taste shall we?

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, as you might expect from such a blend.  The nose presents an intriguing blend of aromas, blackberry, ripe plum with undertones of anise, baking spice and cocoa powder.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black fruit counterbalanced with tart cherry, that eases into notes of cedar and dusty limestone midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing for a lush mouthfeel and a deliciously smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a solid example of the quality of red wine blends consistently produced in Walla Walla.  This wine would pair well with grilled steak, classic spaghetti and meatballs, rack of lamb, tacos or barbecue.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with my Taco Tuesday dinner of steak fajita tacos with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2022 Helix SoRho

Happy Sunday!  Today was an eventful day, as not only did I finish my laundry, I managed to complete all of my Christmas decorating, including the three trees, leg lamp and the stormtrooper (new for this year!).  So, now I am ready for a spectacular dinner and a nice bottle of wine.  Given my menu choices this evening, I've decided on a something inspired by the south of France, the 2022 Helix SoRho blend!  This wine is a blend of Grenache (35%) Cinsault (34%) and Mourvèdre (31%) from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a bright ruby color in the glass, with a lighter balance as you might expect from such a blend.  The nose presents aromas of cherry, plum and cassis intermingled with earthy peat and rustic herb notes that have you thinking you are out in the pasture in rural France.  The first sip is a rush of sweet fruit, cherry, strawberry and red currant that transition easily to notes of vanilla and toasted oak midpalate.  There is a mild acidity that carries through to the finish, which is supported by modest tannins for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that will leave you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a pleasant domestic homage to a blend from the south of France, making it a wonderfully food friendly wine.  This one would pair well with a variety of dishes, from rustic seafood to hearty stews, braised lamb to grilled steak tacos.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a two course celebratory dinner, starting with seared sea scallops over a bed of greens with aged white balsamic and pomegranate, leading to the main course of Scottish black pearl salmon with oven roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2022 DaMa GSM

Happy Saturday!  Today I went on my annual hunting trip to bag a couple of trees to decorate for Christmas, and it was a successful venture (more on that tomorrow).  I also had a chance to meet some new friends at a wine bar that opened here in town, which could be an interesting development, but again more on that later.  Tonight, I am focused on enjoying a nice bottle of wine that would offer an excellent pairing with my dinner this evening.  The 2022 DaMa GSM is a classis blend of Grenache (52%), Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre (18%) from the Yakima Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a lighter bodied affaire, with bright garnet color in the glass, just as you might expect.  The nose presents aromas of strawberry and plum, intermingled with notes of lavender, green grass and basalt.  The first sip has a lot going on, a rush of cherry cola with a hint of tartness that will have you second guessing what is happening in you mouth. Midpalate you are treated to some ripe black fruit and undertones of floral notes and earthiness.  The tannins are well integrated providing for a wonderfully mellow dry finish, with a reprise of acidity at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine an 8.5, as it's a very good example of a pleasant drinking GSM that is food friendly.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from hearty pasta to crispy skin salmon, braised lamb to prime steaks.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classing pairing of risotto with butter poached lobster tail as the subtle fruit and mild acidity pair well with the richness of the dish.  Cheers!

2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  Tonight's wine represents another installment of a great series of Washington wines that I've been reviewing since the 2010 vintage more than a decade ago!  I didn't say the latest, as I just received the next vintage in my wine club shipment a week or so ago, but at least I'm trying to catch up!  The 2021 Woodward Canyon Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (87%), Petit Verdot (7%), Merlot (5%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) from the Woodward Canyon Estate, Weinbau and Sagemoor Vineyards of Washington State.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep, enticing ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a great Washington Cabernet.  The nose presents vibrant aromas of sweet cherry, violet and toasted oak, with an undercurrent of dark chocolate and espresso.  The first sip is a rush of ripe black cherry, marionberry and currant that transition easily to some notes of baking spice and dusty loam midpalate.  The tannins are pronounced and expertly structured, providing for a silky smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of my favorite Washington Cabernets, given its quality and consistency over many years.  This wine would pair well with a big steak, grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or almost any hearty winter dish that needs a big wine to dance with.  Tonight, I am taking the advice of the winery and enjoying this wine with a big ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, with bacon roasted Brussels sprouts and classic mashed potatoes.  Cheers!

2007 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's the first Saturday of a new month, which means it's time to raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. Tonight, I've opened a bottle that's been in my cellar since 2010, so it definitely qualifies.  The 2007 Mouton Cadet Bordeaux is a blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Cabernet Franc (15%), and as I recall, this wine was very inexpensive when I bought it, so let's see if it was worth the wait!

The wine is a lovely garnet color in the glass, with just a hint of amber along the edges, which seems somewhat remarkable after 17 years.  The nose presents subdued aromas of leather, prune and a hint of mint, as the youthful vibrant fruit has long since left the building.  The first sip is classic aged Bordeaux, with a rush of tart cherry, that gives way to some earthy peat and mint midpalate.  The tannins are subdued, providing for the classic dry Bordeaux finish that makes you feel as though you hadn't had a sip of red wine at all.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8, as it seems to be a bit past its prime, but still not bad for what I recall was a sub-$20 bottle of wine.  This wine would pair well with red meat, barbecue, tacos or even pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared New York strip served on potato puree, topped with Béarnaise with steamed asparagus.  Cheers!

2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot

Happy Sunday!  Given that the last Sunday of November was 6 days ago, I missed it, so I've decided to do my "Eating in the Diner" tribute this Sunday, so you'll see what I've made from the Dining Car archives.  But first, I've selected a wine that I believe will go well with my selected repast, the 2021 Seven Hills McClellan Estate Petite Verdot, a 100% Petit Verdot from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a lovely bright ruby color in the glass, with a somewhat lighter body than you might see in the prime Bordeaux varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.  The nose is in intriguing blend of green grass and floral notes of violet and buttercup, with undertones of leather and cocoa powder.  Take a sip and enjoy the rush of tart cherry, black currant and hints of baking spice, that easily transition to some flavors of cherry cola and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well integrated, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a delightful examples of a supporting cast member of the Bordeaux family that stands up well by itself.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty fall and winter dishes, from braised short ribs to hearty stews, pasta to pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with Swedish meatballs as prepared by the Pennsylvania Railroad on many of their signature trains, like the Broadway Limited.  Although, the recipe only includes the meatballs, I've opted for a less traditional plating, serving them with pappardelle rather than mashed potatoes, but still with the pickled cucumber salad and lingonberries.  Cheers!

2021 Pepper Bridge Trine

Happy Thanksgiving!  I'll admit this is one of may favorite holidays as we look back throughout the year and give thanks for the many blessings we have. Sure, the world is not a perfect place, and not everything turned out as we might have imagined, but when you shift your focus from what might have been to what is right there in front of you, a heart of gratitude begins to develop and you can truly appreciate the multitude of blessings the Lord has bestowed.  And of course, one of those blessings is wine, as "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man..." Tonight, my heart is gladdened with a bottle of 2021 Pepper Bridge Trine, which is a blend of Cabernet Franc (42%), Cabernet Sauvignon (36%), Merlot (13%), Malbec (6%) and Petit Verdot (3%) from the Walla Walla Valley of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the Bordeaux varietals employed.  The nose emits aromas of violet, black plum and cassis with faint undertones of leather.  Take a sip and your palate is awash in ripe fruit, gushing with plum, cherry and currant, intermingled with earthy notes of cedar and tobacco.  Midpalate, you are treated to a dose of vanilla and white pepper spice interspersed with hints of floral notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a pleasant and easy drinking Bordeaux style blend that is compatible with so many dishes, it's ideal for the holidays.  This wine would pair well with a variety of holiday dishes, from turkey to ham, prime rib to green bean casserole, but since I am cooking today and I'm not a fan of Turkey, I am enjoying this wine with an herb crusted rack of lamb, saffron potatoes and steamed asparagus with hollandaise.  Cheers!

2022 DaMa Wines GSM

Happy Monday!  Back-to-back posts, though this one is a bit later than usual, only because I had a long day of work.  At any rate, it's time for wine, and tonight I've opened a bottle from the recent wine club shipment from DaMa Wines, the 2022 GSM.  This wine is a blend of Grenache (52%), Syrah (30%) and Mourvèdre (18%) from the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this one is tasting!

The wine is a somewhat lighter body, with bright ruby color, just as you'd expect from a good GSM blend.  The nose presents aromas of lilac, strawberry and a bit of rustic earth.  Take a sip and you're greeted by a rush of vibrant red fruit, cherry, plum, strawberry and currant that completely envelop your palate before transitioning to some lively notes of white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are well integrated, providing an ideal foundation for the long, smooth dry finish.

I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a fine example of the quality GSM blends emanating from Washington, and it's just a pleasant wine to drink.  This wine would pair well with a variety of holiday dishes, including a very popular bird that's likely on many of your menus this coming Thursday!  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a sesame crusted Ahi tuna steak, with steamed rice and sugar snap peas.  Cheers!

2022 Clos de Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I finished all the leaves and fall trimming today, and now I am doing laundry and getting ready for a nice Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I picked up at Costco yesterday, I'm not sure how great it will be, but certainly the price was amenable.  They had two different bottles from this maker, and I bought a bottle of each, but we will start with the 2022 Clos de Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a nice varietal from a troublesome vintage, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is an inky black at the center with bright ruby along the edges, fairly standard for a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose displays aromas of broad floral notes over the top with undertones of black currant and cherry, a very surprising result.  The first sip is classic Napa Cabernet, with a rush of blackberry, black currant and cherry that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of mocha and dark chocolate midpalate.  The tannins are well structured, providing for the classic dry finish of a Napa Cabernet.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a very pleasant drinking Cabernet at an outstanding price of just $15 at Costco.  This wine would pair well with steak, rack of lamb or hearty pasta, almost any dish with a backbone that need a big wine.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled ribeye with Cowboy crust seasoning, topped with blistered yellow grape tomatoes, an oven roasted purple sweet potato and some steamed asparagus with Hollandaise.  Cheers!

2015 Titan Spring Valley District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It has been a weekend full of leaf blowing, raking and carrying, but it's almost over and over the past month, I've managed to carry about 6 metric tonnes of leaves to the front of my house in anticipation of the city coming to collect them next week!  Needless to say, I am pretty exhausted and ready for a nice bottle of wine with dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2015 Titan Spring Valley District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that I bought from Wines Till Sold Out about six months ago.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, as you'd expect from a big Napa Cabernet.  The nose presents an intriguing set of aromas, plum, eucalyptus, black cherry and notes of violet, that beckon you to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of old world Cabernet flavors, black cherry and blueberry, intermingled with aged leather and rustic spice box which transition easily to some notes of white pepper spice and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are supple and well structured, providing a solid base for the long, smooth dry finish that lingers for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it seems to punch much higher than its weight class as a $30 wine.  This would pair well with a variety of hearty dishes, from braised short ribs and hearty pasta, to rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a hearty Sunday dinner of rare grilled porterhouse with grilled asparagus and a big baked potato with all the trimmings.  Cheers!

2022 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a busy weekend of volunteering and leaf blowing, and I am very tired now, and surely ready for a nice bottle of wine!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that I bought on sale at my local wine shop yesterday, as it reminded me of my old boss who liked Far Niente wines (he was a bit of a Napa wine guru) and when I saw the 2022 Post & Beam Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon I had to buy a couple bottles to try it.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Merlot (6%), Petit Verdot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%), so let's see how it's tasting!

The wine seems a bit lighter in body than your typical over-muscular Napa Cabernet, which is a potentially good sign.  The nose reveals aromas of blackberry and cassis, with undertones of vanilla and a bit of earthy green grass.  The first sip is a rush of bold black fruit with just a hint of sweetness, blackberry, cherry and plum, that transition to some notes of mocha and cocoa powder midpalate.  The tannins are supple, but well structured, supporting a lengthy, smooth dry finish that exhibits more complexity than many big Napa Cabernets.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasing wine to sip, but would also pair with a broad range of dishes.  On sale for $38, this wine was also a reasonable value.  This one would pair well with the Napa classics of big grilled steaks, lamb and duck breast, but would also feel right at home with a classic risotto, crispy skin salmon or hearty pasta.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare pan seared New York strip, topped with rosemary and flaky salt, with bacon maple Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes.  Cheers! 

2015 Force Majeure Parvata

Happy Sunday!  Well, I finished the last of the leaves today, but by tonight there are even more in the yard, so I guess I know what I'll be doing next weekend!  In any case, it's time for my Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a Washington producer about which I have heard good things, but have never had a chance to try, but fortunately I sourced a few bottles from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2015 Force Majeure Parvata is a blend of Mourvèdre (46%), Syrah (34%) and Grenache (20%) from Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting and whether I made a good pairing choice for my dinner!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, a testament to the heavy hands of Mourvèdre and Syrah in the blend.  A gentle swirl and the nose reveals aromas of earthy peat, cured meats with an undertone of a variety of black fruit, from currant to blackberry to cherry, but honestly the aromas are supremely understated in this wine.  The first sip packs a wallop, which is not what you would expect based on the subdued aromas, a rush of sweet black fruit, that easily transitions to some notes of vanilla, dark chocolate and a hint of tawny port.  The tannins are well integrated for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers on your palate as your mind catches up to your palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9.5, as it's just a fabulous example of some of the southern Rhone style blends being produced in Washington today.  This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty, earthy dishes, from seared duck breast, to braised lamb shank.  Tonight, I am taking a very different approach with this wine and enjoying it with a last gasp of summer, barbecued beef back ribs, sriracha slaw and baked beans.  Cheers!

2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Happy Cellar Saturday!  It's that magical first Saturday of the month when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle from a producer that I've featured on previous Cellar Saturdays last year, featuring the 2013 and 2012 vintages, and not it's time for the 2014 Cobblestone Vineyards Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.  This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Atlas Peak region of Napa Valley.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a classic Napa Cabernet, with an inky black center and bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of prune, blackberry and currant, with undertones of leather and tobacco that will have you imagining an Ivy League library.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, cherry, blackberry and currant that wash over your palate before transitioning to some notes of black pepper spice intermingled with caramel and vanilla notes.  The tannins are well structured, providing for a classic dry Napa finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really well made Cabernet that has stood the test of time.  This wine would pair well with a variety of aged cheeses, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or a classis grilled steak.  I've opted for the latter and tonight I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled T-bone steak, blistered yellow grape tomatoes, grilled broccolini and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2020 Anvil Syrah

Happy Sunday!  And since it's the last Sunday of the month, it's time for Dinner in the Diner, where I explore a recipe from the dining cars of some of the most famous passenger trains of the 20th Century.  So, what to pair with my dinner?  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2020 Anvil Syrah, the premium label from Forgeron Cellars.  The 2020 vintage is a 100% Syrah from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA of Washington.  So, let's see what this wine has going on!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, with moderate body and clarity, just what you'd expect from a nice Syrah.  The nose reveals aromas of blackberry, blueberry and eucalyptus with undertones of basalt minerality.  The first sip is a rush of sweet black fruit, blackberry, blueberry and currant that dance around a bit of cocoa powder and toasted oak midpalate, with a trail of black peppery spice.  The tannins are still a bit sharp, but still provide for a long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a wonderful example of a single-vineyard Syrah from one of the premier areas of Washington for production of this varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from braised short ribs, to rack of lamb, earthy wild mushroom risotto to Beef Wellington.  Tonight, I am taking a road less traveled and enjoying this wine with a recipe from the diner on the New York Central, the individual deep dish chicken pie from the 20th Century Limited.  The recipes for the filling, crust and rich sauce (this is superb) are presented below (though to be fair, I substituted boneless chicken breast for the white/dark meat combination suggested).  Cheers!

2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Happy Saturday!  I am exhausted.  I decided to clear leaves today, which meant getting up on the roof to blow them off and clear the gutters, then blowing the front yard, then blowing from the ground cover in the back yard so I could then get them all up with the leaf vacuum, so now I really need a nice dinner and a glass of wine before I collapse!  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of a wine club selection that arrived yesterday, the 2022 Pepper Bridge Walla Walla Valley Merlot.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with nice body and clarity, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of blackberry, cherry, lavender and kirsch, that beckon you to take a sip.  That first sip is a dynamic layering of flavors from an initial rush of ripe berry, which transitions to some notes of vanilla, caramel and tawny port before leading into some peppery spice notes near the finish.  The tannins are well structured to provide nice body for the long, smooth dry finish that seems to linger for a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a perennial favorite for this underappreciated varietal.  This wine would pair well with a variety of fall dishes, from Yankee pot roast to braised short ribs, lamb chops to grilled steak.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare, pan seared grass fed New York strip, bacon maple roasted Brussels sprouts and a big baked potato.  Cheer!

2022 DaMa Wines Grenache

Happy Thursday!  Since I was too busy to post last weekend, I decided to do a midweek post.  Tonight, I've decided to open a bottle of a recent wine club selection from DaMa Wines, the 2022 Columbia Valley Grenache.  This wine is a perennial favorite of mine, as it's a 100% Grenache, offering a true perspective on this fascinating and food-friendly varietal.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting.

The wine is lighter bodied, exuding a bright ruby color, just as you'd expect from a nice Grenache.  A gentle swirl reveals aromas of leather, violet and kirsch, with undertones of peppery spice.  The first sip is a rush of sweet fruit up front, strawberry, plum and raspberry, that takes an unexpected turn toward some tart cherry midpalate.  The tannins are supple and supportive of the smooth dry finish, with just a hint of spice at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a really interesting take on Grenache, that is likely the best vintage I've had from DaMa. This wine would pair well with a wide range of hearty fall dishes, from braised short ribs to butternut squash bisque, herb-crusted rack of lamb to wild mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic fall dinner of grilled pork tenderloin and blistered cherry tomatoes, served with mashed sweet potatoes and oven roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot-Cabernet Franc

Happy Sunday!  The weekend is almost over, and this weekend time seems to have been going by faster than usual, so here we are with a bottle of wine and Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that was recently delivered from Woodward Canyon, the 2020 Woodward Canyon Estate Merlot-Cabernet Franc is a blend of Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%) that was the result of a collaboration between vineyard manager and second-generation owner, Sager Small and winemaker, Kevin Mott to commemorate the birth of Sager's daughter just before the 2020 harvest.  The wine was aged for 20 months in 100% neutral barrels, in an effort to highlight the character of each varietal.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep garnet color in the glass, just as you'd expect from the heavy weighting of Merlot in the blend.  The nose presents aromas of leather, blackberry and currant, intermingled with some dusty gravel and a hint of anise.  The first sip leaves your palate awash in ripe black fruit, plum, currant and blackberry that subside in some earthy mineral notes midpalate.  The tannins are plump and well structured, giving credit to the impact of the Merlot in the blend, providing for wonderfully smooth dry finish, with a reprise of current at the end.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just an interesting and pleasant drinking blend.  This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from traditional steaks and chops, to braised short ribs or rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am taking a different approach as I tried my hand at Indian butter chicken, though I couldn't resist adding a bunch of vegetables as well, served over basmati rice with a bit of naan on the side.  Cheers!

2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  I spent the afternoon working in the yard and enjoying the sunny, cool weather, and now it's time for dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of the inaugural vintage of a new Cabernet from Mark Ryan that was just delivered to me last week.  The 2022 Mark Ryan 216 Miles to Go Cabernet Sauvignon tells the story of the humble beginnings of Mark Ryan Winery and the 216 mile trip between Woodinville and the vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA of Washington.  This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Merlot (10%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%) from the Phinney Hill and Quintessence Vineyards of Washington.  So, let's see how this first vintage is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a solid Washington Cabernet.  The nose reveals aromas of tart cherry, green grass and dusty loam.  The first sip is an adventure, with a rush of tart cherry, raspberry and currant that easily transitions to some notes of dark chocolate and tobacco midpalate.  The tannins are well structured to provide for a warm dry finish that will have you imagining an afternoon at a wonderful Red Mountain vineyard at harvest time.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant Cabernet at a price under $40.  This wine would pair well with a variety of dishes, from barbecue to tacos, hearty pasta to braised lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of a rare grilled T-bone, baked potato and bacon roasted broccolini.  Cheers!

2010 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache

Happy first Saturday of October, which of course means it's Cellar Saturday, that magical day where I raid the cellar for a wine at least a decade in the making.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in my cellar very long, as I bought it from Wines Till Sold Out back in August.  The 2010 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Grenache is a 100% Grenache grown from old vines in South Eastern Australia, using whole berry fermentation with wild yeast, in an effort to enhance the Provencal character of the wine.  So, let's see how this wine is tasting 14 years after harvest!

The wine is a lovely ruby color in the glass, with a hint of amber along the edges as you might expect from such a vintage.  A gently swirl of the glass reveals aromas of earthy tar, black cherry, vanilla bean and hints of leather.  The first sip is a rather surprising rush of fruit, with black cherry, fig and plum that easily transition to some earthy notes of peat and wild mushroom midpalate, before easing into some black pepper spice at the finish.  The tannins are silky smooth, providing for a velvety smooth dry finish that will have you quickly reaching for another sip.

Overall, I appreciate this wine for it's decidedly French character, despite being grown a half a world away.  This wine would pair well with a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from grilled lamb, mellow seafood or braised short ribs.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a Mediterranean classic of grilled octopus with grilled summer squash, red onions and peppers.  Cheers!

2019 "The Pledge" Malbec

Happy Sunday!  It's the last Sunday of the month, which means it's "Dinner in the Diner" day, when I make a recipe from the golden age of passenger rail travel in the United States.  We'll get to that later, but first there is wine!  Tonight I've opened a bottle of wine I purchased recently from Costco, the 2019 "The Pledge" Malbec is an interesting wine made from fruit harvested from vineyards with vines that are more than a century old all throughout Mendoza, Argentina.  This seems to be an interesting concept, so I can't wait to try it!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Malbec.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, black cherry, anise and hints of oak.  The first sip is a rush of ripe berries, black raspberry, blueberry and currant that dance around your palate before inviting some mineral notes of dusty limestone and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are smooth and understated, but they work the background to support the long, smooth dry finish that lingers until your next sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant drinking Malbec, that like so many wines from Mendoza is also a terrific value at just $15 at Costco!  This wine would pair well with many classic gaucho meals, from grilled steaks and chops to classic Yankee pot roast.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some home style beef stew based on the recipe from the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad.  The C&O wasn't as well known for famous named passenger trains, but their dining cars featured many recipes from the old south, including Maryland and Virginia.  And please don't worry, I cut down this recipe from the quantities listed to something more manageable, as I didn't have a full dining car to serve tonight!  Cheers!

2016 Torrevento 'Vigna Pedale' Castel del Monte Riserva

Happy Sunday!  It's been rainy all day, but I still feel like I've been going non-stop all day (have I mentioned that I need a vacation?) but now it's time for Sunday dinner and a nice glass of wine.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle that I recently purchased from Wines Till Sold Out.  The 2016 Torrevento 'Vigna Pedale' Castel del Monte Riserva is made from Nero di Troia, a varietal from Puglia that I haven't tried before, so this evening is getting more exciting by the minute!  

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a sturdier body than your typical Sangiovese.  A little swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, earthy mineral notes of basalt amid undertones of plum and red currant.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry that quickly subsides into pleasant flavors of raspberry, toasted oak and a bit of spice box reminiscent of an old Italian market.  A thread of acidity seems to permeate the taste throughout, making this a little more lively than a typical red wine.  The tannins are nicely structured, providing for a smooth dry finish that will have you reaching for another sip.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's a food friendly and pleasant drinking wine that was a terrific value (I bought this one on sale for $13, but even at the regular price of $17 this is a winner).  This wine would pair well with hearty steaks and chops, grilled lamb or any number of hearty, classic Italian dishes.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with some stuffed shells I made for Sunday dinner, using some of my homemade sauce from a few weeks ago.  Cheers!